Moments Like These -Pursuing the Father

This past season had brought many challenges and experiences in my life, some of which I may share in a blog or two. This is the most recent one which occurred today on my way to work and I pray it will be a blessing to someone.

For a while now I had thought of getting an air freshener for my office, yet I always pass by the traders by the road. Let me pause for a moment and bring you up to speed with the norm in the city I live: Trading by the road side is commonplace. Okay, so I spotted a particular brand I thought would be nice which until now I always avoided buying. Well today I made a spontaneous decision to get it.

A young man responded to my beckon acknowledging the opportunity to make some sales. Lavender, or fresh linen I pondered between obvious choices... I liked the idea of fresh but linen didn't go down so well, lavender sounded much better, good choice of fragrance I quickly applauded myself!

I asked for the price whiles waiting in traffic, ready to bargain for a good deal. Triple the value was not exactly what I had in mind, this was a little on the high side I cautioned both he and myself. Could I pay half the price? I asked the young man. His face dimmed with a taint of despair gradually being shrouded from what I felt were the feelings of the hard thought of not being able to sell anything for the day. The exchange was certain I thought by then, I was sure I had it for half the price, yet a sudden prompting to hand it over to him and not make an already bad case worse. Father, he said, this is the wholesale price, hoping I would take it. "Oh father, this is the price." Those mellow words (jabs) gently settled themselves, waiting to dismantle every resisting power I had. It was no employment of a word to cause an effect, this time around, the word was potent with verity. It was reached for, out of a need crying to the highest help he can master to voice out. Father!

Now I knew I was in trouble, his manner of approach had a direct penetration that did something to me. I almost didn't know what had hit me over the next minute I drove off without my fragrance. There was a work being done in me; something had occurred! Something was rubbing on and in.

You see, usually the approach to get your attention was, Manager or Boss!; Professor; Honorable; or - oh-Chief! don't go, and Master in some cases only to name a few. If you receive pride in these titles then they will certainly make you feel of value and respected, oh and right in traffic. Everyone around certainly know these traders, but these well thought-out ‘resplendent’ cries have a way of getting into the head. Like the devils temptation of Christ in the wilderness, you get a panorama of all that you could have received and can be if only you will bow down once. Taken aback by the sheer magnitude of work you recognize is needed to enjoy these praises, the mind resigns to the moment to grab what it could, hopping that some may abide. The thought of being fooled sets in, yet a moment to alleviate the hidden struggles of life also gives you the sense of your moment of sweet glory –surely this is you; what you deserve. Then the head begins to swell only a little, masterfully tempered by your great humility not to let everyone know all at once who you are being acclaimed to be and then the release comes. If you need the goods or simply are overtaken, you show it through your pocket to exchange for this short lived praise as the hidden pursuit is affirmed from a lack of real value and worth; of the love for power and fame! Does not the whole world lie in wickedness? 1Jn 5:19

This young man seemed different, he had a word, the right mind, he wore it even in poverty and a face that told of his sincerity. Oh Father, he said, oh Father... Now he got me, and I began to feel sorry for not buying his fragrance. I looked through the review mirrors for I was way gone now, hoping to see a young man gallantly pursuing me; hoping that I could clear my conscience of this hound from heaven. Only when I gave up seconds later, that he appeared at my window, starting to break a sweat, he had been in pursuit of me! Who knows this may have been his last sale for the day, he did not want to loose his bread no matter how small it was.

..."Father" he said repeating the blessed word, and like a flood joy came again. Not because he called me father, but that the point of our contact; the highest regard and honor for fatherhood in its rich meaning and fulness was established knowing what father really holds for the one who comes into its fold. In the recognition the blessing was now released and I could now receive and to give. Our eyes locked in a gentle exchange and there was hope accompanied with a sigh of relief. It wasn't over then, we both sensed it. I thought I noticed tears in his eyes, but then again maybe they were mine. The moment said everything and we seemed to understand each other perfectly now, something had transpired. He was willing and I was ready, a connection we didn't have at first had occurred. He didn't let go and I could now draw from my heavenly Father and bless. Heaven was waiting; grace was at the door with blessing in His arms. I gladly gave him what he originally ask for without a word and he gave mine, "thank you" he said and then he departed.

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2Co 4:5-6) emphasis mine.

I cannot recall him saying father to me this time, maybe because the true Father was there represented and receiving that which belongs to Him, flows from Him and returns in praise and joyous service; a tide of love, to the great Source of all. 1

In the end, I believe I had gotten more than I bargained for; the fragrance of our heavenly Fathers love. It is the glory of God to give and having Christ Jesus in the heart and mind the light could shine for others to receive.

Thank you Heavenly Father for moments like these. May we be willing, come to You that You may bless. With you we have a sure blessing of a true Father

1. But turning from all lesser representations, we behold God in Jesus. Looking unto Jesus we see that it is the glory of our God to give. "I do nothing of Myself," said Christ; "the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father." "I seek not Mine own glory," but the glory of Him that sent Me. John 8:28; John 6:57; John 8:50; John 7:18. In these words is set forth the great principle which is the law of life for the universe. All things Christ received from God, but He took to give. So in the heavenly courts, in His ministry for all created beings: through the beloved Son, the Father's life flows out to all; through the Son it returns, in praise and joyous service, a tide of love, to the great Source of all. And thus through Christ the circuit of beneficence is complete, representing the character of the great Giver, the law of life. {DA 21}